U.S. patent application number 13/322794 was filed with the patent office on 2012-03-22 for washing device for water treatment apparatus and washing method thereof.
Invention is credited to Jin-Seong Ka, Jong-Min Kim, Jung-Hwan Lee, Ho-Dong Nam.
Application Number | 20120067377 13/322794 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43222877 |
Filed Date | 2012-03-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120067377 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lee; Jung-Hwan ; et
al. |
March 22, 2012 |
WASHING DEVICE FOR WATER TREATMENT APPARATUS AND WASHING METHOD
THEREOF
Abstract
The present invention relates to a washing device for a water
treatment apparatus and a washing method thereof that can wash hard
to reach areas with hands inside the water treatment apparatus. A
washing device for a water treatment apparatus according to an
aspect of the invention may include: circulation members connected
to passages of the water treatment apparatus to circulate wash
water through the passages of the water treatment apparatus; and a
circulation module connected to the circulation members and
circulating the wash water through the passages of the water
treatment apparatus and the circulation members to thereby wash the
passages of the water treatment apparatus. A washing method of a
water treatment apparatus according to another aspect of the
invention may include: a wash water inflow operation in which wash
water flows into circulation members; and a circulation washing
operation in which a circulation modulation is operated to
circulate the wash water through passages of the wash treatment
apparatus.
Inventors: |
Lee; Jung-Hwan; (Seoul,
KR) ; Ka; Jin-Seong; (Seoul, KR) ; Nam;
Ho-Dong; (Seoul, KR) ; Kim; Jong-Min; (Seoul,
KR) |
Family ID: |
43222877 |
Appl. No.: |
13/322794 |
Filed: |
December 31, 2009 |
PCT Filed: |
December 31, 2009 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/KR09/08011 |
371 Date: |
November 28, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
134/22.12 ;
134/169C |
Current CPC
Class: |
C02F 1/44 20130101; C02F
2303/14 20130101; C02F 2201/004 20130101; B08B 9/0856 20130101;
C02F 1/00 20130101; C02F 2201/005 20130101; C02F 2301/066 20130101;
B08B 9/0321 20130101; C02F 1/001 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
134/22.12 ;
134/169.C |
International
Class: |
B08B 9/032 20060101
B08B009/032; B08B 3/00 20060101 B08B003/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 28, 2009 |
KR |
10-2009-0047174 |
Claims
1-30. (canceled)
31. A washing device for a water treatment apparatus, the washing
device comprising: circulation members connected to passages of the
water treatment apparatus to circulate wash water through the
passages of the water treatment apparatus; and a circulation module
connected to the circulation members for circulating the wash water
through the passages of the water treatment apparatus, with the
circulation members thereby washing the passages of the water
treatment apparatus.
32. The washing device of claim 31, wherein the circulation members
comprise: one or more connection pipes connected to drain units of
the water treatment apparatus; and a circulation pipe connected to
an outlet side of a filter unit of the water treatment
apparatus.
33. The washing device of claim 32, wherein the connection pipes
are detachably coupled to cocks and drainpipes forming the drain
units, and the circulation pipe is detachably coupled to a purified
water pipe at the outlet side of the filter unit or a purified
water storage unit.
34. The washing device of claim 32, wherein the circulation module
comprises an opening/closing device for sequentially opening
passages communicating with the connection pipes to sequentially
circulate the wash water through the passages.
35. The washing device of claim 34, wherein the opening/closing
device comprises: a housing having a plurality of connection ports
to which the connection pipes are detachably coupled; a disc having
an opening corresponding to the connection ports; and a motor
opening the corresponding connection ports as the opening
corresponds to the corresponding connection ports by rotation of
the disc.
36. The washing device of claim 35, wherein check valves are
separately provided in individual connection ports to open the
connection ports when the connection pipes are connected to the
connection ports and to close the connection ports when the
connection pipes are not connected thereto.
37. The washing device of claim 34, wherein the circulation module
further comprises an operating unit determining a number of the
connection ports according to a number of cocks and a number of
drainpipes of the water treatment apparatus.
38. The washing device of claim 31, wherein the circulation module
comprises: a drainpipe connected to the circulation members; a
passage switching unit connected to a portion where the circulation
members are coupled to the drainpipe to switch passage of the wash
water; and a circulation pump connected to the circulation members
to selectively circulate the wash water in the connection pipes
through the drainpipe or the passages of the water treatment
apparatus.
39. The washing device of claim 38, wherein the circulation module
further comprises a wash water detection unit measuring a flow of
the wash water to determine whether the circulation module operates
normally or not.
40. The washing device of claim 39, wherein the wash water
detection unit is arranged at a wash water outlet side of the
circulation pump.
41. A washing method of a water treatment apparatus, the washing
method comprising: a wash water inflow operation in which wash
water flows into circulation members; and a circulation washing
operation in which a circulation modulation circulates the wash
water through passages of the water treatment apparatus.
42. The washing method of claim 41, wherein a plurality of passages
of the water treatment apparatus are divided into groups, and the
wash water circulates through the groups in a sequential manner to
thereby wash the plurality of passages in the wash water inflow
operation.
43. The washing method of claim 41, wherein a plurality of tanks of
the water treatment apparatus are divided into groups comprising at
least one tank, and the wash water circulates through the groups in
a sequential manner to thereby wash the plurality of tanks in the
wash water inflow operation.
44. The washing method of claim 41, wherein the circulation module
is operated before a purified water storage unit at an outlet side
of the filter unit is fully filled with water in the circulation
washing operation.
45. The washing method of claim 41, wherein the circulation module
stops operating when the circulation washing operation is completed
or malfunction is detected in the circulation washing
operation.
46. The washing method of claim 41, further comprising a wash water
neutralization operation in which the wash water is neutralized by
inputting a counteragent into the wash water after the circulation
washing operation.
47. The washing method of claim 46, wherein a plurality of passages
of the water treatment apparatus are divided into groups, and the
wash water circulates through the groups in a sequential manner to
thereby wash the plurality of passages in the wash water
neutralization operation.
48. The washing method of claim 46, further comprising a draining
operation in which neutralized wash water is drained by operating
the passage switching unit after the wash water neutralization
operation is performed for a predetermined period of time.
49. The washing method of claim 48, further comprising a cleaning
operation in which the passages of the water treatment apparatus
are cleaned by supplying purified water to the passages of the
water treatment apparatus and draining the purified water after the
draining operation is performed.
50. The washing method of claim 49, wherein a passage switching
unit is operated after completely filling a purified water storage
unit at an outlet side of the filter unit with the purified water
to thereby drain the purified water in the purified water storage
unit outside of the cleaning operation.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a washing device for a
water treatment apparatus and a washing method thereof.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] In general, a water treatment apparatus filters raw water to
provide potable water. Examples of this water treatment apparatus
may include water purifiers and ionizers.
[0003] The water treatment apparatus includes a filter unit
filtering water and a water cock admitting filtered water to
provide potable water. Furthermore, this water treatment apparatus
is divided into a tank type water treatment apparatus that has a
purified water tank in which purified water is stored, a cold water
tank, and a hot water tank, or a tank type water treatment
apparatus that has part of these water tanks, and a tankless type
water treatment apparatus that does not have any of these water
tanks.
[0004] The filter unit, the water cock, and the various tanks of
the water treatment apparatus are connected through purified water
pipes so that purified water can flow therethrough.
[0005] When the water treatment apparatus is used for a long period
of time, the tanks, the water cock and the various purified water
pipes become covered with foreign substances contained in water.
Therefore, a user or a coordinator of the water purifier cleans the
inside of each tank periodically or upon necessity.
[0006] However, in the related art, cleaning cannot be easily
undertaken because it may be impossible to insert cleaning tools
into long, narrow passages of the various purified water pipes or
the water cock or to reach them with hands. Therefore, even after
the water treatment apparatus is cleaned, the user cannot help
drinking water contaminated with foreign substances from within the
water cock or the various purified water pipes.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the foregoing
problems of the related art and therefore an aspect of the present
invention is to provide a washing device for a water treatment
apparatus and a washing method thereof that can wash hard to reach
areas of the water treatment apparatus with washing tools or
hands.
Solution to Problem
[0008] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a washing device for a water treatment apparatus, the
washing device including: circulation members connected to passages
of the water treatment apparatus to circulate wash water through
the passages of the water treatment apparatus; and a circulation
module connected to the circulation members and circulating the
wash water through the passages of the water treatment apparatus
and the circulation members to thereby wash the passages of the
water treatment apparatus.
[0009] The circulation members may include: one or more connection
pipes connected to a drain unit of the water treatment apparatus;
and a circulation pipe connected to an outlet side of a filter unit
of the water treatment apparatus.
[0010] The connection pipes may be detachably coupled to cocks
and/or drainpipes forming the drain unit, and the circulation pipe
may be detachably coupled to a purified water pipe at the outlet
side of the filter unit or a purified water storage unit.
[0011] The circulation pipe may be connected to a water level
controller detecting a water level of the purified water storage
unit when the circulation pipe is coupled to the purified water
storage unit.
[0012] Mesh nets may be provided to the connection pipes or the
circulation pipe in order to filter the wash water.
[0013] The circulation module may comprises an opening/closing
device sequentially opening the passages communicating with the
connection pipes to thereby sequentially circulate the wash water
through the passages.
[0014] The opening/closing device may include a housing having a
plurality of connection ports to which the connection pipes are
detachably coupled; a disc having an opening corresponding to the
connection ports; and a motor opening the corresponding connection
ports as the opening corresponds to the corresponding connection
ports by rotating the disc.
[0015] Check valves may be separately provided in the individual
connection ports to open the connection ports when the connection
pipes are connected to the connection ports and close the
connection ports when the connection pipes are not connected
thereto.
[0016] The housing of the opening/closing device may include a
plurality of connection passages connected to the respective
connection ports and an integrated passage connecting the
connection passages into a single passage and connected to the
circulation pipe.
[0017] The opening/closing device may be a plurality of solenoid
valves separately provided in the connection ports coupled to the
respective connection pipes.
[0018] The circulation module further may further comprise an
operating unit determining the number of the connection ports
according to the number of cocks and the number of drainpipes of
the water treatment apparatus.
[0019] Connection ports may be provided at an upper surface of the
circulation module so that the connection pipes are coupled to the
connection ports, and a circulation port may be provided at a side
surface of the circulation module so that the circulation pipe is
coupled to the circulation port.
[0020] The circulation module may include drainpipes connected to
the circulation members; a passage switching unit connected to a
portion where the circulation members are coupled to the drainpipes
to thereby switch a passage of the wash water; and a circulation
pump connected to the circulation members to selectively flow the
wash water in the connection pipes through the passages or the
drainpipes of the water treatment apparatus.
[0021] The circulation module may further comprise a wash water
detection unit measuring a flow of the wash water and determining
whether the circulation module operates normally or not.
[0022] The wash water detection unit may be arranged at a wash
water outlet side of the circulation pump of the water treatment
apparatus.
[0023] The wash water detection unit may be a hydraulic sensor or a
flow rate sensor.
[0024] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a washing method of a water treatment apparatus, the
washing method including: a wash water flow operation in which wash
water flows into circulation members; and a circulation washing
operation in which a circulation modulation is operated to
circulate the wash water through passages of the wash treatment
apparatus.
[0025] The wash water may circulate through an outlet side of a
filter unit of the wash treatment apparatus in the circulation
washing operation.
[0026] A plurality of passages of the water treatment apparatus are
divided into groups comprising at least one passage, and the wash
water circulates through the groups in a sequential manner to
thereby wash the plurality of passages in the wash water flow
operation.
[0027] A plurality of tanks of the water treatment apparatus are
divided into groups comprising at least one tank, and the wash
water circulates through the groups in a sequential manner to
thereby wash the plurality of tanks in the wash water flow
operation.
[0028] The circulation module may be operated before a purified
water storage unit at the outlet side of the filter unit is fully
filled with water in the circulation washing operation.
[0029] Malfunction may be detected by measuring a hydraulic
pressure or a flow rate of the wash water in the circulation
washing operation.
[0030] The circulation module may stop operating when the
circulation washing operation is completed or malfunction is
detected in the circulation washing operation.
[0031] Washing completion or malfunction may be indicated through a
display and/or a buzzer when the circulation module stops operating
in the circulation washing operation.
[0032] The washing method may further include a wash water
neutralization operation in which the wash water is neutralized by
inputting a counteragent into the wash water after the circulation
washing operation.
[0033] A plurality of passages of the water treatment apparatus may
be divided into groups comprising at least one passage, and the
wash water circulates through the groups in a sequential manner to
thereby wash the plurality of passages in the wash water
neutralization operation.
[0034] Completion of neutralizing the wash water may be indicated
using a display and/or a buzzer when the wash water neutralization
operation is performed for a predetermined period of time.
[0035] The washing method may further include a draining operation
in which neutralized wash water is drained off by operating the
passage switching unit after the wash water neutralization
operation is performed for the predetermined period of time.
[0036] The washing method may further include a cleaning operation
in which the passages of the water treatment apparatus are cleaned
by supplying purified water to the passages of the water treatment
apparatus and draining off the purified water after the draining
operation is performed.
[0037] The passage switching unit may be operated after completely
filling the purified water storage unit at the outlet side of the
filter unit with the purified water to thereby drain off the
purified water in the purified water storage unit to the outside in
the cleaning operation.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0038] As described above, according to the present invention,
areas hard to reach with washing tools or hands can also be easily
washed.
[0039] According to the present invention, passages of the water
treatment apparatus can be prevented from not being partially
washed or a reduction in washing efficiency can be prevented due to
water pressure differences therebetween.
[0040] According to the present invention, malfunction can be
accurately detected during washing, and noise reduction cab be
achieved.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0041] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a water treatment
apparatus and a washing device according to an exemplary embodiment
of the present invention;
[0042] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of
the washing device of FIG. 1;
[0043] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the washing device
of FIG. 2;
[0044] FIG. 4 is a development view illustrating a coupling
relationship between connection pipes and connection ports forming
the washing device of FIG. 3;
[0045] FIG. 5 is a configuration view illustrating one example of
an opening/closing device of the washing device of FIG. 2;
[0046] FIG. 6 is a configuration view illustrating how a control
unit of the washing device of FIG. 2 and a control unit of a water
treatment apparatus are connected through power supply cables;
and
[0047] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a washing method of a
washing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
MODE FOR THE INVENTION
[0048] Exemplary embodiments of a washing device for a water
treatment apparatus according to the present invention will now be
described in detail.
[0049] A washing device for a water treatment apparatus according
to the present invention can be applied to a tank type water
purifier and a tankless type water purifier. A description will be
made, by way of example, to a washing device installed in a tank
type water purifier.
[0050] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a water treatment
apparatus and a washing device according to an exemplary embodiment
of the present invention.
[0051] Referring to FIG. 1, the washing device for a water
treatment apparatus washes a passage inside the water treatment
apparatus by circulating wash water through the water treatment
apparatus.
[0052] First, an example of a water treatment apparatus 1 to which
a washing device 100 is applied according to the present invention
will now be described.
[0053] The water treatment apparatus 1 includes a filter unit 10 to
filter water flowing from a water pipe 5 or a replaceable water
tank for a dispenser. Examples of the filter unit 10 may include a
sediment filter, a pre-carbon filter, a membrane filter, and a
post-carbon filter.
[0054] The above sediment filter uses nonwoven fabric to filter
foreign substances and suspended solids in raw water. The
pre-carbon filter uses surface activated carbons to remove chlorine
or odors from raw water. The membrane filter filters raw water by
passing the raw water through a porous membrane using a
cellulose-based composition fiber. The post-carbon filter has
greater absorption than the surface activated carbons to remove
color and odors.
[0055] The water treatment apparatus 1 includes a purified water
storage unit 20 in which purified water filtered through the filter
unit 10 is stored. The purified water storage unit 20 may include a
purified water tank 21, a hot water tank 25, and a cold water tank
23. The purified water, filtered through the filter unit 10, is
stored in the purified water tank 21. The purified water discharged
from the purified water tank 21 flows into the hot water tank 25
and the cold water tank 23. Alternatively, the purified water
storage unit 20 only may include the cold water tank 23 and the hot
water tank 25.
[0056] A cooler (not shown) that cools purified water may be
installed in the cold water tank 23, while a heater (not shown)
that heats purified water may be installed in the hot water tank
25.
[0057] A water level controller 22 that measures the water level
when purified water passes may be installed at an inlet side of the
purified water storage unit 20. Here, the water level controller 22
is disposed at a purified water inlet side of the purified water
tank 21 so that the purified water, discharged from the filter unit
10, flows into the purified water tank 21. The water level
controller 22 detects the water level of the purified water tank 21
as the purified water passes, and blocks the flow of the purified
water when the purified water tank 21 is filled with water.
[0058] The purified water storage unit 20 is connected to a drain
unit 30 through purified water pipes. The drain unit 30 may include
a cold/purified water cock 31 connected to the purified water tank
21 and the cold water tank 23, a hot water cock 32 connected to the
hot water tank 25, and drainpipes 33 and 34 draining off water in
the cold water tank 23 and the hot water tank 25, respectively, to
the outside.
[0059] Here, the cold water/purified water cock 31 may be connected
to a single purified water pipe into which the purified water pipe,
connected to the purified water tank 21, and the purified water
pipe, connected to the cold water tank 23, are connected.
Furthermore, the hot water cock 32 may be connected to the purified
water pipe connected to the hot water tank 25. In addition,
opening/closing members 33a and 34a may be installed at the outlet
sides of the drainpipes 33 and 34, respectively, so that the
opening/closing members 33a and 34a are automatically opened as
connection pipes 113 and 114 of the washing device 100 to be
described below are coupled thereto.
[0060] The cold water/purified water cock 31 and the hot water cock
32 may include levers (not shown) to manually open or close
passages inside the cocks 31 and 32, respectively. Here, when the
respective levers are pressed, the individual cocks 31 and 32 may
be separately opened. When the respective levers are released, the
respective passages of the cocks 31 and 32 may be each closed.
[0061] Furthermore, the cold water/purified water cock 31 and the
hot water cock 32 may include electronic valves (not shown) in
order to electromagnetically open or close the passages of the
cocks 31 and 32, respectively. As for the electronic valves,
solenoid valves are proposed.
[0062] When the electronic valves are used for the cold
water/purified water cock 31 and the hot water cock 32 of the water
treatment apparatus 1, connection terminals 51 (refer to FIG. 6)
are installed on a control unit 50 (refer to FIG. 6) of the water
treatment apparatus 1 in order to supply power to the electronic
valves. The connection terminals 51 of the control unit 50 are
detachably coupled to connection terminals of wires (not shown)
supplying power to the electronic valves.
[0063] The washing device for the water treatment device will now
be described.
[0064] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of
a washing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the
invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the washing
device of FIG. 2.
[0065] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the washing device 100 includes
circulation members 111 to 114 and 117 and a circulation module
120.
[0066] The circulation members 111 to 114 and 117 are connected to
the passages of the water treatment apparatus so that wash water
can circulate through the passages of the water treatment apparatus
1. The circulation members 111 to 114 and 117 form an infinite
loop, together with the passages of the water treatment
apparatus.
[0067] The circulation members 111 to 114 and 117 may include one
or more connection pipes 111 to 114 that are connected to the drain
unit 30 of the water treatment apparatus 1, and a circulation pipe
117 connected to an outlet side of the filter unit 10 of the water
treatment apparatus.
[0068] The number of connection pipes 111 to 114 may be large
enough to be connected to drainage structures including the
drainpipes 33 and 34 and the cocks 31 and 32 of the water treatment
apparatus 1. As for a water treatment apparatus having a small
number of drainage structures, some of the connection pipes 111 to
114 may be connected to the drainage structures and others may not
be connected to the drainage structures.
[0069] The connection pipes 111 to 114 may be detachably connected
to the cocks 31 and 32 and/or the drainpipes 33 and 34 constituting
the drain unit 30. Here, fitting devices or connectors 111a to 114a
may be coupled to one set of ends of the connection pipes 111 to
114 so that the connection pipes 111 to 114 can be detachably
connected to the cocks 31 and 32 and the drainpipes 33 and 34. In
addition, connectors 111a to 114a may be connected to the other set
of ends of the connection pipes 111 to 114, respectively, so that
the connection pipes 111 to 114 can be detachably connected to the
connection ports 131 to 134 of the circulation module 120,
respectively.
[0070] After the connectors 111a to 114a are connected to the cocks
31 and 32 and the drainpipes 33 and 34, the connectors 111a to 114a
can be easily separated from the cocks 31 and 32 and the drainpipes
33 and 34 by pulling or pushing the connectors 111a to 114a. These
connectors 111a to 114a may be configured in various ways.
[0071] The circulation pipe 117 may be connected to the outlet side
of the filter unit 10. For example, the circulation pipe 117 may be
detachably coupled to a purified water pipe 22 of the outlet side
of the filter unit 10 or the purified water tank 21 in the purified
water storage unit 20. Here, connectors 117a having the same
configuration as the connectors 111a to 114a of the connection
pipes 111 to 114 may be provided on both ends of the circulation
pipe 117.
[0072] After the filter unit 10 is separated from the water
treatment apparatus 1, the connectors 117a of the circulation pipe
117 may be connected to a purified water pipe 22 of the outlet side
of the filter unit 10. Here, the purified water pipe 22 of the
outlet side of the filter unit refers to a purified water pipe
connecting the filter unit 10 and the purified water tank 21 to
each other.
[0073] Furthermore, the connectors 117a of the circulation pipe 117
may be connected to the water level controller 22 after the water
level controller 22 of the purified water storage unit 20 is
separated from the purified water pipe.
[0074] Mesh nets 115 may be provided in the connection pipes 111 to
114 or the circulation pipe 117 to filter wash water. The mesh nets
115 have meshes that do not apply much water pressure of the wash
water to the connection pipes 111 to 114 and the circulation pipe
117. As show in FIG. 2, the mesh nets 115 are provided in the
connectors 111a to 114a of connection pipes 111 to 114. However,
the mesh nets 115 may be installed in the connection pipes and the
circulation pipe.
[0075] Here, the mesh nets 115 may be detachably coupled to the
connectors 111a to 114a provided on the other set of ends of the
connection pipes 111 to 114. Therefore, before installing the
connection pipes 111 to 114 in the water treatment apparatus 1 or
after separating the connection pipes 111 to 114 therefrom, it is
easy to wash the mesh nets 115 clean or replace the mesh nets 115
with new ones.
[0076] The connection pipes 111 to 114 may be long enough to be
connected to the cocks 31 and 32/drainpipes 33 and 34 and the
circulation module 120 disposed in the water treatment apparatus 1
when the circulation module 120 is laid on the ground. Furthermore,
the circulation pipe 117 may be long enough to be connected to the
purified water tank 21 or the outlet purified water pipe 22 of the
outlet side of the filter unit 10 disposed at an upper part of the
water treatment apparatus 1 when the circulation module 120 is laid
on the ground. Therefore, the circulation pipe 117 may be
relatively longer than the connection pipes 111 to 114.
[0077] The circulation module 120 may include a detergent inlet 121
and a counteragent inlet 122 through which detergent and a
counteragent are introduced. The detergent inlet 121 and the
counteragent inlet 122 may be connected to a wash water inlet or
outlet side of the circulation pump 173. Therefore, the detergent
and the counteragent are introduced into areas having high fluidity
in the circulation module 120, so that the detergent and the
counteragent can be mixed with purified water in a short period of
time.
[0078] Alternatively, without installing the detergent inlet 121
and the counteragent inlet 122 in the circulation module 120, a
user or a coordinator may directly inject detergent or a
counteragent into the passage of the purified water tank 21 or the
circulation module 120.
[0079] As for the detergent, various chemicals capable of cleaning
and sterilizing the inner surface of the water treatment apparatus
may be used. In addition, as for the counteragent, appropriate
chemicals need to be used according to the composition of the
detergent.
[0080] As an example of the detergent, a detergent, as disclosed in
Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2006-0129670, may be applied.
There is disclosed a washing method including performing primary
cleaning using a first cleaning solution containing chlorine
dioxide and performing secondary cleaning using a second cleaning
solution containing ammonium ions and hydroxyl ions. According to
an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, different types
of detergent as well as the above-described detergent can be
used.
[0081] Two or more connection ports 131 to 134 connected to the
connection pipes 111 to 114, respectively, and one circulation port
137, connected to the circulation pipe 117, may be formed in the
circulation module 120. Here, the connection ports 131 to 134 are
detachably connected to the connectors 111a to 114a of the
connection pipes 111 to 114, respectively, and the circulation port
137 is detachably connected to the connector 117a of the
circulation pipe 117.
[0082] The connection ports 131 to 134 may be formed on an upper
surface of a case of the circulation module 120. Therefore, while
the circulation module 120 is laid on the ground, it is possible to
easily couple the connectors 111a to 114a of the connection pipes
111 to 114, respectively, above the connection ports 131 to 134.
Furthermore, it is possible to visually check whether the plurality
of connection pipes 111 to 114 are normally connected to the
connection ports 131 to 134, respectively.
[0083] The circulation port 137 may be formed on the side of the
case of the circulation module 120. Therefore, the circulation
module 120 may be laid on the ground after the connectors 117a of
the circulation pipe 117 are coupled to the circulation port 137 of
the circulation module 120.
[0084] The circulation module 120 may include a plurality of
connection passages 141, connected to the connection ports 131 to
134, respectively, and an integrated passage 142 integrating the
connection passages 141 into a single passage so as to be connected
to the circulation port 137. The connection passages 141 branch off
from the integrated passage 142. The connection passages 141 and
the integrated passage 142 may be formed in an opening/closing
device 160 to be described below.
[0085] In addition, in the circulation module 120, a drain port 144
may be formed at a portion where the integrated passage 142 and the
circulation port 137 are connected to each other.
[0086] A cover 146 may be provided in the circulation module 120 in
order to open or close the top of the connection ports 131 to 134.
The cover 146 prevents the ingress of foreign substances into the
connection ports 131 to 134.
[0087] A power cord 147 may be connected to the circulation module
120 to supply power to the circulation module 120 from an external
power source. A switch 148 may be provided on the circulation
module 120 in order to turn the circulation module 120 on or
off.
[0088] The opening/closing device 160 may be provided in the
circulation module 120. The connection pipes 111 to 114 are
detachably coupled to the opening/closing device 160. The
opening/closing device 160 opens the passages communicating with
the connection pipes 111 to 114 in a sequential manner. The
passages are divided into groups comprising at least one passage,
and the wash water circulates through the groups in a sequential
manner to thereby wash the passages. This opening/closing device
160 will be described in detail below.
[0089] The circulation module 120 may further include a operating
unit 150 in order to determine the number of connection ports 131
to 134 according to the cocks 31 and 32 and the drainpipes 33 and
34 of the water treatment apparatus 1. Here, information about the
number of cocks 31 and 32 and the number of drainpipes 33 and 34
may be visualized on a display panel 153 of the operating unit
150.
[0090] Therefore, when a user or a coordinator inputs the number of
cocks 31 and 32 and the number of drainpipes 33 and 34 by using the
operating unit 150, the control unit 180 of the circulation module
120 controls the opening/closing device 160 to sequentially open
groups into which the cocks 31 and 32 and the drainpipes 33 and 34
are divided with each group including at least one so that groups
into which passages inside the water treatment apparatus 1 are
divided with each group including one passage may be washed in a
sequential manner.
[0091] For example, the cold water tank 23, the drainpipe 33 of the
cold water tank 23, the drainpipe 34 of the hot water tank 25, and
the hot water tank 25 may be sequentially washed. Furthermore,
after the cold water tank 23 and the drainpipe 33 are washed at the
same time, the hot water tank 25 and the drainpipe 34 may then be
washed at the same time.
[0092] In addition, although not shown in the drawings, an
engagement detection sensor (not shown) may be provided in the
connection ports 131 to 134 of the circulation module 120 in order
to determine whether the connection pipes 111 to 114 are coupled
thereto or not. Here, when the connection pipes 111 to 114 are
coupled to the connection ports 131 to 134, respectively, the
control unit 180 of the circulation module 120 may determine to
which connection ports 131 to 134 the connection pipes 111 to 114
are connected. The control unit 180 of the circulation module 120
controls the opening/closing device 160 to open groups into which
the connection ports 131 to 134 coupled to the connection pipes 111
to 114 are divided with each group including at least one
connection port, so that groups into which the passages inside the
water treatment apparatus 1 are divided with each group including
at least one passage may be opened in a sequential manner.
[0093] When the coupling detection sensor is provided in the
connection ports 131 to 134 of the circulation module 120, the
number of cocks 31 and 32 and the number of drainpipes 33 and 34
may not to be input using the operating unit 150.
[0094] Buttons 151a to 151f in association with the number of cocks
31 and 32 and the number of drainpipes 33 and 34, circulation wash,
wash water neutralization, wash water drainage, and batch wash may
be formed on the operating unit 150 of the circulation module 120.
A mechanical or touchpad type may be applied to the buttons 151a to
151f.
[0095] The display panel 153 or a buzzer 155 may be provided in the
operating unit 150 in order to display an error message in relation
to wash water or indicate an error message with an alarm. Here, an
LED or a liquid crystal display panel may be used as the display
panel 153.
[0096] The circulation module 120 may include a wash water
drainpipe 148 connected to the circulation members 111 to 114 and
117, the passage switching unit 171 coupled to a portion where the
wash water drainpipe 148 and the circulation members 111 to 114 and
117 are connected to thereby switch the passage of wash water, and
the circulation pump 137 connected to the circulation members to
flow the wash water through the passages of the water treatment
apparatus 1 or through the wash water drainpipe 148.
[0097] Here, the wash water drainpipe 148 is connected to the
portion where the connection pipes 111 to 114 and the circulation
pipe 117 are connected to each other. The passage switching unit
171 may be coupled to a portion where the connection pipes 111 to
114, the circulation pipe 117, and the wash water drainpipe 148 are
connected to each other. The circulation pump 137 may be connected
to the connection pipes 111 to 114 or the circulation pipe 117.
[0098] The wash water drainpipe 148 may be detachably coupled to
the drain port 144 of the circulation module 120. Here, the wash
water, discharged from the circulation module 120, is discharged
into a sink or a drain through the wash water drainpipe 148.
[0099] As for the passage switching unit 171, a three-way valve is
provided to selectively allow wash water, introduced into the
connection pipes 111 to 114, to flow through the circulation pipe
117 or the wash water drainpipe 148.
[0100] The circulation pump 173 may have an impeller (not shown)
and a pumping motor (not shown) therein.
[0101] The circulation module 120 may further include a wash water
detection unit 175 that measures the flow of the wash water to
determine whether the circulation module 120 operates normally or
not. Here, as for the wash water detection unit 175, a hydraulic
sensor or a flow rate sensor may be used.
[0102] The wash water detection unit 175 may be disposed at the
wash water outlet side of the circulation pump 173 for the
following reasons.
[0103] The circulation pump 173 may not operate normally or the
opening/closing device 160 may not completely open the passages of
the connection ports 131 to 134. Here, sufficient water pressure
may not be applied to the wash water outlet side of the circulation
pump 173. Therefore, by providing the wash water detection unit 175
at the wash water outlet side, it is possible to accurately
determine whether the opening/closing device 160 and the
circulation pump 173 are operated normally or not.
[0104] FIG. 4 is a development view illustrating connection pipes
and connection ports forming a washing device.
[0105] Referring to FIG. 4, check valves 136 may be separately
provided in the individual connection ports 131 to 134 of the
circulation module 120. The check valves 136 open the passages of
the connection ports 131 to 134 when the connection pipes 111 to
114 are connected. On the other hand, the check valves 136 close
the passages of the connection ports 131 to 134 when the connection
pipes 111 to 114 are not connected.
[0106] Here, each of the check valves 136 may include an
opening/closing member 136a in each of the connection ports 131 to
134, a spring 136b elastically supporting the opening/closing
member 136a, and a packing 136c coupled to the upper surface of the
opening/closing member 136a to close each of the connection ports
131 to 134 while the opening/closing member 136a is lifted.
[0107] When the connection pipes 111 to 114 are coupled to the
connection ports 131 to 134, respectively, the mesh nets 115 of the
connection pipes 111 to 114 pressurize the opening/closing members
136a of the connection ports 131 to 134 to thereby open the
passages of the connection ports 131 to 134. Here, wash water can
pass through the passages of the connection ports 131 to 134.
[0108] On the other hand, when the connection pipes 111 to 114 are
not coupled to the connection ports 131 to 134, respectively, the
opening/closing members 136a of the check valves 136 are not
pressurized, and the passages of the connection ports 131 to 134
are thus closed. Here, the check valves 136 can prevent air inflow
through the connection ports 131 to 134 by an interaction between
the spring 136b and the packing 136c.
[0109] FIG. 5 is a view illustrating the configuration of an
example of an opening/closing device of a washing device.
[0110] Referring to FIG. 5, the opening/closing device 160 may
include a housing 161, a disc 163, and a motor 165.
[0111] The housing 161 may include the plurality of connection
ports 131 to 134 coupled to the connection pipes 111 to 114,
respectively, a plurality of connection passages 141 separately
commutating with the individual connection ports 131 to 134, and an
integrated passage 142 communicating with the connection passages
141.
[0112] An opening 163a may be formed in the disc 163 so that the
opening 163a corresponds to the connection passages 141 of the
housing 161.
[0113] The motor 165 opens the corresponding connection ports 131
to 134 as the opening 163a corresponds to the connection passages
141 of the connection ports 131 to 134 upon rotation of the disc
163. As for the motor 165, a stepping motor that rotates a disc by
every predetermined angle is proposed.
[0114] As for this disc-type opening/closing device 160, a single
motor 165 is used, thereby reducing the manufacturing costs and
weight of the washing device 100.
[0115] In addition, when the connection pipe 113 is not coupled to
the connection port 133 of the connection ports 131 to 134, the
opening/closing member 136a of the check valve 136 is not
pressurized. As a result, the passage of the connection port 133 is
closed.
[0116] Here, the check valves 136 can prevent air inflow through
the connection port 133 by an interaction between the spring 136b
and the packing 136c. Therefore, it is possible to prevent air from
being sucked into the opening/closing device 160 through the
connection port 133 to which the connection pipe 113 is not
coupled. In addition, since the disc 163 of the opening/closing
device 160 closes the connection port 133 to which the connection
pipe 113 is not coupled, the connection port 133 to which the
connection pipe 113 is not coupled is double blocked to thereby
prevent air inflow.
[0117] Therefore, the formation of bubbles in the wash water of the
opening/closing device 160 is minimized, so that the circulation
pump 173 can normally pump the wash water, and the water pressure
of the wash water can be kept constant. Therefore, pumping noise
made when the circulation pump 173 pumps the wash water can be
reduced.
[0118] Furthermore, by minimizing the formation of bubbles in the
wash water in the opening/closing device 160, the wash water
detection unit 175, disposed at the outlet side of the
opening/closing device 160, can accurately detect the hydraulic
pressure or the flow rate of the wash water.
[0119] Furthermore, as the formation of bubbles in the wash water
of the circulation pump 173 or the circulation pipe 117 is
minimized, noise made when the wash water flows through the
circulation pipe 117 can be reduced. In addition, washing
performance can also be improved.
[0120] Meanwhile, though not shown in the drawings, the
opening/closing device 160 may include a plurality of solenoid
valves separately provided in the individual connection ports 131
to 134. Here, as power is applied to the circulation module 120,
the solenoid valves open or close the passages of the connection
ports 131 to 134.
[0121] As this solenoid type opening/closing device uses a
plurality of solenoid valves, it is possible to accurately control
the opening and closing of each of the connection ports 131 to
134.
[0122] FIG. 6 is a view illustrating the configuration in which a
control unit of a washing device and a control unit of a water
treatment apparatus are connected to each other through power
supply cables.
[0123] Referring to FIG. 6, connection terminals 181 may be formed
at the circulation module 120 so as to be connected to the
electronic valves of the water treatment apparatus 1 through the
power supply cables 185. Therefore, when one set of terminals of
the power supply cables 185 are connected to the connection
terminals 181 of the circulation module 120, and the other set of
terminals of the power supply cables 185 are connected to the
connection terminals 51 of the water treatment apparatus 1, power
is supplied to the cocks 31 and 32 of the water treatment apparatus
1 through the power supply cables 185, thereby opening or closing
the cocks 31 and 32 of the water treatment apparatus 1.
[0124] Therefore, the washing device 100 can be used in both a case
in which the cocks 31 and 32 of the water treatment apparatus 1 are
manually opened or closed and a case in which the cocks 31 and 32
of the water treatment apparatus 1 are automatically opened or
closed.
[0125] A process of installing the washing device for a water
treatment apparatus, which has the above-described configuration
according to the exemplary embodiment of the invention, in a water
treatment apparatus will now be described.
[0126] Referring to FIG. 2, when the water treatment apparatus 1
needs to be washed, a power plug (not shown) of the water treatment
apparatus 1 is pulled out to cut off power supply.
[0127] When the hot water tank 25 of the water treatment apparatus
1 is filled with hot water, the hot water cock 32 is opened to
completely drain off the hot water. In this way, the user or the
coordinator can be prevented from being burned with the hot water
when connecting the washing device 100 to the water treatment
apparatus 1.
[0128] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the one set of ends of the
connection pipes 111 to 114 are respectively coupled to the cold
water/purified water cock 31, the hot water cock 32, and the
drainpipes 33 and 34 of the water treatment apparatus 1, while the
other set of ends of the connection pipes 111 to 114 are coupled to
the connection ports 131 to 134 of the circulation module 120.
Here, the mesh nets 115 of the connection pipes 111 to 114
pressurize the corresponding check valves 136, the passages of the
connection ports 131 to 134 are opened (refer to FIG. 4).
Furthermore, the connection ports 131 to 134, which are not coupled
to the connection pipes 111 to 114, respectively, are closed by the
check valves 136, thereby blocking air inflow into the passage of
the washing device 100.
[0129] Furthermore, one side of the circulation pipe 117 is coupled
to the purified water pipe 22 of the outlet side of the filter unit
10 or the water level controller 22 of the purified water tank 21.
The other side of the circulation pipe 117 is coupled to the
circulation port 137 of the circulation module 120.
[0130] When the cocks 31 and 32 of the water treatment apparatus 1
are manually operated, the cocks 31 and 32 are opened by
pressurizing the levers of the cocks 31 and 32. Here, there is no
need to install the power supply cables 185.
[0131] Furthermore, when the cocks 31 and 32 of the water treatment
apparatus 1 are opened or closed by the electromagnetic valves, the
terminals of the power supply cables 185 at both ends thereof are
connected to the connection terminals 51 of the water treatment
apparatus 1 and the connection terminal 181 of the circulation
module 120 (refer to FIG. 6). Here, the control unit 180 applies
power to the connection terminals 51 of the water treatment
apparatus through the power supply cables 185. As power is supplied
to the connection terminals 51 of the water treatment apparatus,
the cocks 31 and 32 of the water treatment apparatus are
opened.
[0132] When the detergent inlet 121 and the counteragent inlet 122
are not provided in the washing device 100, detergent may be
manually input after opening the purified water tank 21 of the
water treatment apparatus 1. Furthermore, when the detergent inlet
121 is provided in the washing device 100, detergent may be
automatically input through the detergent inlet 121.
[0133] Power is supplied to the washing device 100 by connecting
the power cord 147 of the circulation module 120 to an external
power source and manipulating the switch 148 of the circulation
module 120.
[0134] A washing method of the water treatment apparatus having the
above-described configuration according to the exemplary embodiment
of the present invention and the operation thereof will now be
described.
[0135] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a washing method of a
washing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0136] Referring to FIG. 7, the operating unit 150 of the
circulation module 120 is manipulated to determine the number of
cocks 31 and 32 and the number of drainpipes 33 and 34 to be
connected. When the circulation wash button 151b or the batch wash
button 151f is selected using the operating unit 150 of the washing
device 100, the control unit 180 of the washing device 100 operates
the opening/closing device 160, the circulation pump 173, the wash
water detection unit 175, and the passage switching unit 171 of the
circulation module 120. A wash mode is set in this manner
(S11).
[0137] Here, when wash water is supplied to all the passages in the
water treatment apparatus 1 at the same time, water pressure
deviations of the wash water may locally occur according to the
flow structures of the water treatment apparatus 1. That is, high
water pressure of the wash water may be applied to some of the
passages in the water treatment apparatus 1, while significantly
lower water pressure of the wash water may be applied to the
others. As such, when the wash water is supplied to all the
passages in the water treatment apparatus at the same time, a dead
zone, where washing is not performed due to the significantly lower
water pressure of the wash water, may occur.
[0138] In order to prevent the generation of the dead zone, the
wash water is flowed as follows.
[0139] The control unit 180 of the washing device 100 controls the
opening/closing device 160 and sequentially opens groups into which
the cocks 31 and 32 and the drainpipes 33 and 34 are divided with
each group including at least one, so that the wash water
sequentially flows through groups into which the passages inside
the water treatment apparatus 1 are divided with each group
including at least one passage.
[0140] A description will be made of a case in which the cold water
tank 23, the drainpipe 33 of the cold water tank 23, the hot water
tank 25, and the drainpipe 34 of the hot water tank 25 are washed
in that order.
[0141] The control unit 180 of the washing device 100 opens the
connection pipe 111 and the circulation pipe 117 (S 12). That is,
by operating the opening/closing device 160, the passage of the
connection port 131 connected to the cold water/purified water cock
31 is opened, while the passages of the connection ports 132 to 134
are closed.
[0142] Furthermore, as the circulation pump 173 operates, the wash
water in the purified water tank 21 and the cold water tank 23 is
discharged through the cold water/purified water cock 31 (S14).
[0143] In addition, the control unit 180 of the washing device 100
switches the switching unit 171 into a circulation mode (S 14).
Here, the control unit 180 of the washing device 100 causes the
switching unit 171 to open the circulation pipe 117 and close the
wash water drainpipe 148.
[0144] The wash water in the cold water/purified water cock 31
flows into the water level controller 22 through the circulation
pump 173, the wash water detection unit 175, the passage switching
unit 171, and the circulation pipe 117. The wash water flowing into
the water level controller 22 flows into the purified water tank 21
and the cold water tank 23.
[0145] During this process, the wash water detection unit 175
detects the water pressure or the flow of the wash water and
transmits the measured water pressure or flow rate of the wash
water to the control unit 180 of the washing device 100.
[0146] When it is determined that the water pressure or the flow
rate of the wash water has not reached a predetermined value, the
control unit 180 of the washing device 100 stops the operation of
the circulation pump 173 and displays an error message and/or
indicates an error message with an alarm using the display panel
153 and/or the buzzer 155 of the washing device 100. Otherwise, the
circulation pump 173 keeps operating.
[0147] While the circulation of the wash water is performed for a
predetermined time, the purified water tank 21, the cold water tank
23, some of the purified water pipes, the cold/purified water cock
31, and the water level controller 22 are washed.
[0148] Then, the control unit 180 of the washing device 100
operates the opening/closing device 160 to open the connection port
132 connected to the hot water cock 32 and close the other
connection ports 131, 133, and 134. Here, the circulation pump 173
may be paused or keep operating while the opening/closing device
160 operates.
[0149] Then, the wash water in the hot water tank 25 is discharged
through the hot water cock 32. The wash water in the hot water cock
flows into the water level controller 22 through the circulation
pump 173, the wash water detection unit 175, the passage switching
unit 171, and the circulation pipe 117. The wash water, flowing
into the water level controller 22, flows into the purified water
tank 21 and the hot water tank 25.
[0150] As the wash water circulates through the purified water tank
21, the hot water tank 25 and the passage thereof, the hot water
tank 25 and the passage thereof are washed.
[0151] Then, the control unit 180 of the washing device 100
operates the opening/closing device 160 to thereby open the
connection port 133 connected to the drainpipe 33 of the cold water
tank 23 and close the other connection ports 131, 132, and 134. As
a result, the purified water tank 21, the cold water tank 23, and
the drainpipe 33 of the cold water tank 23 are washed.
[0152] Furthermore, the control unit 180 of the washing device 100
operates the opening/closing device 160 to open the connection port
134 of the hot water tank 25 connected to the drainpipe 34 and
close the other connection ports 131 to 133. As a result, the
purified water tank 21, the hot water tank 25, and the drainpipe 34
of the hot water tank 25 are washed.
[0153] While the hot water tank 25 and the drainpipes 33 and 34 are
being washed, the wash water detection unit 175 measures the water
pressure or the flow rate of the wash water and transmits the
measured water pressure or flow rate to the control unit 180 of the
washing device 100. When the water pressure or the flow rate of the
wash water has not reached a predetermined value, the control unit
180 stops the operation of the circulation pump 173 and may
indicate an error message or an alarm.
[0154] As described above, in the washing device 100, the wash
water flows through the purified water tank 21, the cold water tank
23, the hot water tank 25, the drainpipe 33 of the cold water tank
23, and the drainpipe 34 of the hot water tank 25 in a sequential
manner, so that the water pressure deviation of the wash water may
hardly occur in the passages through which the wash water flow.
Therefore, it is possible to thoroughly wash the passages of the
water treatment apparatus 1.
[0155] Furthermore, the washing device 100 can wash the cold
water/purified water cock 31, the drainpipes 33 and 34, the water
level controller 22, and the purified water pipes, which are hard
to reach with hands or washing tools, as well as the tanks 21, 23,
and 25, which can be reached by hands or washing tools.
[0156] Then, when the control unit 180 of the washing device 100
determines that circulation washing time has been reached (S15),
the operation of the circulation pump 173 may be stopped (S16).
Furthermore, a message or/and an alarm indicating the completion of
washing may be given through the display panel 153 and/or the
buzzer 155 of the operating unit 150.
[0157] The control unit 180 of the washing device 100 determines
whether the counteragent into the purified water tank 21 or the
washing device 100 has been completed or not (S17).
[0158] When it is determined that the input of the counteragent has
been completed, the circulation pump 173 operates (S18). Here, the
passage switching unit 171 opens the circulation pipe 117 and
closes the wash water drainpipe 148, so that the wash water in the
circulation pump 173 flows into the circulation pipe 117.
[0159] When neutralizing the wash water, the wash water may
sequentially circulate through groups into which the plurality of
passages of the water treatment apparatus are divided, with each
group including at least one passage. That is, the wash water
containing the counteragent may circulate sequentially through the
cold water tank 23, the hot water tank 25, the drainpipe 33 of the
cold water tank 23, and the drainpipe 34 of the hot water tank
25.
[0160] Therefore, when neutralizing the wash water, the detergent,
attached to the tanks or the passages of the water treatment
apparatus, can be uniformly neutralized by minimizing the water
pressure difference occurring in the passages of the water
treatment apparatus. Furthermore, even in a neutralization mode for
the wash water, it is possible to remove a zone of the water
treatment apparatus, where the wash water stagnates.
[0161] Furthermore, while the wash water is neutralized, the wash
water detection unit 175 measures the water pressure or the flow
rate of the wash water, and transmits the measured water pressure
or the measured flow rate of the wash water to the control unit 180
of the washing device 100. When the water pressure or the flow rate
of the wash water has not reached a predetermined value, the
control unit 180 stops the operation of the circulation pump 173 or
may send an error message and/or an alarm.
[0162] When the control unit 180 of the washing device 100
determines that the predetermined neutralization time has been
reached (S19), the passage switching unit 171 is switched into a
drain mode (S20). Here, the passage switching unit 171 keeps
closing the circulation pipe 117 and opening the wash water
drainpipe 148.
[0163] Therefore, after the wash water in the water treatment
apparatus 1 is sufficiently neutralized by the counteragent, the
neutralized wash water is discharged through the wash water
drainpipe 148. Here, the circulation pump 173 keeps operating.
[0164] Furthermore, the control unit 180 of the washing device 100
may indicate that the neutralization mode has been completed
through a display and/or an alarm.
[0165] The control unit 180 of the washing device 100 determines
whether the drain mode has been completed or not (S21). Here, the
control unit 180 of the washing device 100 determines whether the
drain mode has been completed or not by integrating time during
which the passage switching unit 171 is switched into the drain
mode or by measuring the water pressure and the flow rate detected
by the wash water detection unit 175.
[0166] When it is determined that the drain mode has been
completed, the control unit 180 of the washing device 100 indicates
the completion of the drain mode through a display and/or alarm.
Furthermore, the operation of the circulation pump 173 is stopped
(S22).
[0167] Then, fresh water is supplied to the water treatment
apparatus 1 (S23). That is, the user or the control unit 180 of the
washing device 100 may cause water to flow into the purified water
tank 21 through the water pipe.
[0168] Here, the control unit 180 of the washing device 100 fills
the purified water tank 21 with fresh water. When the purified
water tank 21 is filled with water, the control unit 180 stops
supplying water to the water treatment apparatus 1.
[0169] After the purified water tank 21 is filled with water, the
drain is paused for a predetermined time, so that the counteragent
or the detergent remaining in the purified water tank 21 can be
sufficiently cleaned.
[0170] After the purified water tank 21 is filled with water, and
the predetermined time has passed, the water in the purified water
tank 21 is drained off. The washing device 100 determines the
completion of the wash mode by determining whether the water in the
purified water tank 21 has been completely drained off.
[0171] When it is determined that the wash mode has been completed
(S24), the control unit of the washing device 100 indicates that
the wash mode has been completed through an alarm or the display of
the operating unit 150.
[0172] As described above, the washing device washes groups into
which passages of the water treatment apparatus are divided with
each group including at least one passage, neutralizes wash water,
and cleans the remaining detergent or counteragent. Therefore, the
user can drink clean water after the washing operation of the
washing device.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0173] As set forth above, according to exemplary embodiments of
the invention, hard to reach areas with hands or washing tools
inside a water treatment apparatus can also be washed to thus
suggest significant industrial applicability.
* * * * *